Prolific Pujara gets given the Notts nod
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE have replaced, temporarily at least, one class international with another with Cheteshwar Pujara jetting in as James Pattinson dons international colours.
Pattinson will be required by Australia for Champions Trophy duty in a few weeks and Pujara will arrive at Trent Bridge in the middle of this month.
The Indian batsman, who has made 11 centuries in 48 Tests, will be available to feature in home and away County Championship fixtures against Gloucestershire, as well as matches against Glamorgan and Derbyshire.
Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: “We have looked around the world to find the right player.
“The most important thing was to sign someone with the quality to make us better, rather than limiting our options by saying it had to be a bowler.
“We have depth in our squad with regards bowling and – particularly as we’ll be without Alex Hales during that period – we’re more than happy to welcome a world-class batsman to the club.”
Four of Pujara’s centuries have come against England and included a career-best 206 not out at Ahmedabad in 2012 and tons in back-to-back matches during the most recent series between the two nations.
He averages 51 in Test cricket with 3,798 runs while his first-class record, averaging 58 with 30 threefigure tallies, is even more prolific. In county cricket, the right-hander has played seven previous red-ball matches, for a combination of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, and scored 483 runs.
The 29-year-old said: “I’m ready for it. I’m already working on my skills and preparing for competitive cricket.
“I love playing county cricket and Trent Bridge is a great venue. I’m really looking forward to my first experience there as a home player.
“The aim is to win as many games as possible so the team stays on top of the points table.”